Casual & Contemporary
With my latest design, I've surprised even myself...
My friend, Bridget was in need of a design plan for her adjoining living and dining rooms. I was honored when she asked me to put together a plan because Bridget definitely has the eye for design, but with three kids ages 5 and under plus one on the way (yay!), and working part time - finding the time to focus on decorating her home is, well... nearly impossible.
Bridget was looking for a way to complete these rooms utilizing the existing paint color, sofa and pillows on the fireplace bench.
She was also struggling to figure out what to do with her fireplace and its slightly awkward design.
I definitely appreciate contemporary design, but it's not a style I naturally gravitate toward. However, the home is a 1950's ranch with modern elements throughout, so after creating several different plans, I found myself continually being pulled back to the contemporary option.
Remember my suggestion to begin a design with a piece of inspiration? Well, it all started with this rug from CB2. I. LOVE. THIS. RUG. The abstract approach to a traditional damask pattern is fun and refreshing. I looked at numerous other options, but for some reason was very drawn to this particular rug, so I figured it must be right.
I sent the plan to Bridget and told her if the rug was too risky, we would swap it out, but after reviewing several others together, we both agreed. WE. LOVE. THIS. RUG.
However, there was something about the plan that was bothering her - the yellow accents. Completely understandable and such an easy fix! In just a few minutes, we revised the plan to focus on pops of poppy instead of yellow. Poppy was always in the plan, just in a very subtle way.
Bridget's husband is going to work his DIY magic in the dining room and add wainscoting below the chair rail. The dining room will also get a new table with a greywash finish. Two charcoal colored tufted dining chairs will flank either end of the table, and benches will be added to the sides to provide kid friendly seating (i.e., no upholstery) and free up space in the room for a beautiful buffet.
And as for the slightly awkward fireplace? We're going to add a distressed piece of pine above the firebox to create a substantial, yet warm mantel. The pine will expand the entire length of the chimney rather than just the length of the firebox. This will allow us to feature large pieces on the mantel which will not only look pretty, but will visually balance the off center firebox.
It will look something like this (can you tell I did not inherit any artistic ability from my very artistic family?).
Lesson learned? Even if it's outside of your comfort zone, when you're gravitating towards a certain design scheme, go with it! At least play with it for a bit and see where it takes you. If it's not coming together, you can always revise the plan, but chances are it will.
I'm so excited to see this space when it's complete! Thanks, Bridget for allowing me to be part of such a fun design.
Oh, one more thing - I promise this is the last time you will see that club chair for a while. It's just so versatile, I couldn't resist. :)